What is a professional response to this discussion post?

Being an asthmatic as a child and having had a child with very severe asthma, I knew a little about the respiratory system before I started taking this class, but definitely learned a lot. Breathing is one of the most fundamental functions our body performs and one of the scariest to have compromised. A thorough understanding of the respiratory system when it comes to medical coding and billing is kind of like that. Knowing and understating the terms, diseases, treatments, etc. for accurate billing should be second nature, without that knowledge, you risk denied insurance claims, underpayment or no payment for services rendered, or inaccurate medical records for the patients, just to name a few mishaps.

Some of the common diseases associated with the respiratory system are pneumonia, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. Pneumonia is typically diagnosed by listening to the lungs with a stethoscope, but blood tests or a chest X-ray can also be used when available and necessary. A spirometry test, which is the simplest and most common lung test, is used to diagnose asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). A tube is placed in the patient's mouth and (s)he breathes in and out as hard as (s)he can. This allows the doctor to measure the amount (volume) and speed (force) of the air that comes out of the lungs during specific times.This was one of many tests my daughter had to do when she went to an allergist for further treatment of her asthma. Lung Cancer, which is one of the more serious diseases, is diagnosed using a chest X-ray, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), or PET (positron emission tomography) scan.

Primary care physicians (PCPs), pulmonologists, also called respirologists, respiratory therapists, and allergists are providers who treat respiratory conditions. Respiratory illnesses treated by a PCPare usually limited to asthma, the flu, or pneumonia, with referrals to an allergist or Pulmonologist (Respirologists)given for more chronic or severe cases. My daughter was referred to an allergist by her PCP to try and pinpoint asthmatic triggers and relieve symptoms associated with them. A Pulmonologist orRespirologistis a respiratory system specialist (physician) with further specialization in diagnosing and treating lung conditions. They focus on the bigger picture, more serious, chronic, or complicated diseases, and have advanced education, training, and expertise. Pulmonologists also deal with more serious lung problems such as disease, cancer, or transplants. Lastly, respiratory therapists can also treat respiratory conditions. Respiratory therapists are not doctors but are certified medical professionals who can treat lung and breathing problems. Their main focus is the airway and the disorders affecting it, such as asthma and COPD.Respiratory therapists typically assist pulmonologists and other medical staff in performing tests to diagnose respiratory conditions, administer medication, examine patients, or other tasks to help patients who are having a hard time breathing.